Long before four years on Wearside, playing more than 100 games for the Black Cats, a young Kilbane joined his hometown club of Preston North End.

There, he played alongside and under Moyes.

After Sunderland he played for him again, at Everton. He saw Moyes turn Everton around, and believes him the perfect candidate to do likewise at the Stadium of Light.

He just needs time...

“I’ve known David since I was 16-years-old,” said Kilbane.

“I’ve played with him, worked as a coach with him and played under him as a manager.

“He can be so, so good for the club, he needs time and that is a luxury in today’s game, but he is such a good manager.

“I think recruitment is now a big thing for him. He was appointed at the back end of July and he had a month to try and get players in place. Usually with clubs now, they target players 12 to 18 months in advance.

“I’m sure he’s watched a lot of players but there wasn’t enough time for him to implement his policy.

“I’m confident he can achieve things with Sunderland.”

It is a club that remains close to Kilbane’s heart.

Speaking to AFC Bournemouth’s matchday programme, the former Republic of Ireland international said of the North East: “What surprised me more than anything was how every single person knew who you were!

“It was quite incredible. I lived in Durham, within 10 miles of Sunderland, and everyone talks about the passion of the North East but I got to experience it. Everyone knows each other’s players.

“You did feel claustrophobic at times, I can see why it could be difficult for players moving from London or abroad. There’s an intensity surrounds the area, it’s quite incredible.

“I’ll never forget the derby day, it’s an unbelievable atmosphere and unique that two different cities have a derby. That’s what sets it apart from the Manchester, Merseyside and London derbies, it covers such a vast area.

“That’s why it’s so disappointing to see Sunderland and Newcastle United - huge, huge clubs - underachieve. When I was there, we got seventh-placed finishes under Peter Reid but it’s never been consistent.”

Kilbane also spent three years at Hull City, Sunderland’s opponents at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

He added: “David Moyes is there now and I feel for him at times, there’s a continual relegation struggle which is endemic in the club.

“Given the time, I’m sure he’ll prove to be a really good manager for them. Of course it’s difficult to get the time nowadays but it’s an incredible club.”